Salem-News.com Washington County articles Page 4

Chains or Traction Tires Required on Washington County Roads

This is an update on traction device and chain requirements‏ througout Washington County.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Oregon Department of Transportation and Washington County are requiring chains and/or traction tires on all state and county roads.

Shelters Open in Washington County

Shelters open in the Washington County area.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Extreme cold weather continues with snow/precipitation forecast for tomorrow. Dave Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office says it is important to outreach to the homeless and advise them of these shelter sites.

Washington County Encourages Citizens to Play It Safe and Stay Off Roadways

An update on roads, facilities, homeless shelters and warming centers and safety checks for neighbors with special needs.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Washington County services continued today despite a snow and wind storm affecting the Portland urban area. This is a summary of county activities over the last 24 hours and public guidance for coping with the winter weather.

Sanding and plowing operations over the last 24 hours have kept all snow response routes on county-maintained roadways open. Drivers are still encouraged to stay off the roads, if at all possible, by postponing trips or taking public transportation.

Inmate Work Crews Support Washington County Woodcutters

The Washington County Jail used a work crew of 6-8 inmates, depending on the day, to buck up the trees and then split and stack the wood.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Washington County Jail inmate workers have been working with the Washington County Woodcutters, Incorporated, an organization that splits and delivers firewood to elderly Washington County residents to heat their homes in winter.

Portland Woman Assaulted For Being Gay

Sheriff's detectives want to hear from anyone who witnessed the attack or recognizes someone fitting the description of the suspect.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Police in Portland say a 20-year-old woman was attacked Tuesday and beaten because of her sexual orientation. Sgt. Dave Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, says the victim was walking on SW 174th Avenue in Aloha when she was attacked by a white male.

"The man initially asked her for a cigarette, but became angry when he learned her sexual orientation. The man threw her to the ground and struck her several times with a rock. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries."

The victim told deputies that she had never seen the man who attacked her. She described him as a young man between the ages of 16 and 22 with a baby face, 6- feet tall with a slender build. He has very large and pronounced ears. He was wearing a zipped up dark jacket with a white T-shirt underneath it, dark jeans, and black "skater" type shoes on.

Salem Camp Counselor Arrested for Child Pornography

Detectives say that due to Mr. Munter’s position as a camp counselor, they are concerned that other victims may exist who have not come forward.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Deputies in Washington County arrested a man for possession of child pornography and they say the arrest is connected to a computer camp in Salem.

Sgt. David Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office says Aaron Leonard Munter, who worked as a camp counselor, was recently indicted after detectives reported finding child pornography in his house.

"The suspect has been involved in teaching children at a computer camp in Salem. The Salem Police have also charged the suspect with crimes involving a child at the camp," Thompson said.

Sheriff`s Deputies Locate Missing 71-Year Old‏ (UPDATE)

John Ira Christiansen was located safely and is home.

(ALOHA, Ore.) - Sheriff's deputies in Washington County say they are pleased to report that John Christiansen who was reported missing yesterday has returned home safely.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office received a call from a family member this morning that Mr. Christensen arrived with his vehicle at his home in Walla Walla. Deputies had Walla Walla Police Department check on the welfare of Mr. Christiansen and they confirmed he was in good health and safe.

Mr. Christiansen's whereabouts for the 14 hours he was reported missing is unknown. His wife was driven by a family member back to Walla Walla.

Washington County Deputies Need Citizen`s Help Locating Missing Woman

Anyone with any information concerning Hillary Smith is asked to immediately call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 503-629-0111.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The Washington County Sheriff's Office is searching for a missing 19-year old female from the Bethany area of unincorporated Washington County. She is reported to be developmentally delayed.

Sgt. Bob Ray with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, says this morning at 7:44 AM, Washington County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a residence in Bethany area concerning the report of a missing person. Hillary Smith was reported missing by her parents. Ms. Smith lives with her parents and uses TriMet and MAX as her primary means of transportation.

Deputies ask Public to Watch for Missing Aloha Man

Donald Errend is described as 6-feet tall and weighs about 200 pounds.

(ALOHA, Ore.) - Police are looking for a 55-year-old man missing from Aloha who is Schizophrenic and needs his medication. Donald Errend has not been seen since yesterday evening.

Sheriff’s deputies took a report of a man missing from a group home in Aloha Wednesday at 6:49 PM. 55-year-old Donald Errend is a diagnosed Schizophrenic and regularly takes medication for his condition.

Police Arrest Man for Exposing Himself in Big Lots Store

A female employee reportedly confronted the man and told him to put his genitals back in his pants. He is said to have replied, "Oh, is that mine?" and continued to fondle himself.

(ALOHA, Ore.) - Investigators in Washington County say a man was arrested for exposing himself to employees and customers at the Aloha Big Lots store.

Sgt. David Thompson, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office in Washington County, says the suspect was chased from the store by employees and later arrested hiding in an adjacent business that he had broken into.